12 Remote California Inns Close to Nature
The therapeutic benefits of spending time in nature are long documented. It can inspire creativity, reduce stress, and restore energy. For a tranquil getaway surrounded by natural wonders, these secluded California inns offer VIP access to the outdoors. Nature awaits just beyond the doorstep, and on-site wildlife viewing is often a standard amenity.
Circle Bar B Guest Ranch
This 1,100-acre coastal mountain guest ranch just 30 minutes north of Santa Barbara is perfect for an off-the-grid vacation. On-site horseback riding with seasoned trail guides includes views of canyons, creek crossings, and magnificent vistas of the Pacific Ocean, the Channel Islands, and the Santa Ynez Mountains.
Apple Blossom Inn Bed & Breakfast
An inviting sundeck with a hot tub overlooks the expansive Oakhurst Valley and the Sierra Nevada mountains at this five-and-a-half-acre country inn near the southern entrance to Yosemite National Park. Wild turkeys, deer, foxes, and other wildlife roam freely among the property’s apple orchards and gardens.
Eden Vale Inn
Nature springs to life at Eden Vale Inn’s 10-acre sanctuary in the Sierra Nevada foothills. This romantic Gold Country getaway is home to abundant wildlife, including deer and more than 50 types of birds. Viewing is best from the tranquil year-round pond where guests can relax in Adirondack chairs or row across the water.
Highlands Ranch Resort
Near the southern entrance to Lassen Volcanic National Park, Highlands Ranch Resort sits on 175 acres at the edge of a bucolic meadow with views of snowcapped peaks. The resort places guests within easy reach of the park’s stunning geothermal features along with options for hiking, biking, horseback riding, fishing, birding, and more.
Historic Requa Inn
Visiting the Historic Requa Inn is an immersion into California’s dynamic coastal redwoods ecosystem. The inn overlooks the Klamath River which meets the roaring Pacific just a mile away. Surrounding it all are miles of forest comprising Redwood National and State Parks, home to abundant wildlife and Earth’s tallest trees.
Howard Creek Ranch
The rugged 60-acre Howard Creek Ranch is tucked on a far-flung stretch of Mendocino coastline north of Westport. Each season brings a distinct collection of birds and other wildlife, and the relaxed bohemian vibe is a welcoming invitation to soak in the beauty, isolated from the rest of the world.
Inn at Newport Ranch
Inn at Newport Ranch’s remote 2,200-acre setting feels like an unexplored frontier. With the Pacific Ocean and majestic redwood forests as backdrops, this luxury property near Fort Bragg offers 20 miles of trails that meander coastal bluffs and climb ridgelines to panoramic vistas. Book a UTV tour to explore the property’s flora and fauna with a guide.
Inn of the Lost Coast
On the rugged cliffs above Black Sands Beach, Inn of the Lost Coast in Shelter Cove feels gloriously removed from civilization. The southern trailhead for the 20-mile Lost Coast Trail is within walking distance from the property, and thousands of acres of coastal redwood forest are just a short drive away.
Kit Carson Lodge
Mother Nature is on brilliant display from the pine-rimmed shoreline of Silver Lake where Kit Carson Lodge welcomes guests from June to October. Hiking, fishing, kayaking, and paddleboarding are available directly from the resort. Nearby Carson Pass offers an extensive trail network and access to alpine lakes.
Mar Vista Farm + Cottages
Connecting with nature is a sensory escape at Mar Vista Farm + Cottages. Located in a quiet nook of Mendocino County, this nine-acre getaway features a rolling landscape of carefully tended gardens, open spaces, forested trails, and private access to a secluded beach. Here, nature’s rhythms immediately envelope and nurture.
Nick’s Cove
Hugging the shoreline of a sheltered cove in Tomales Bay, Nick’s Cove is a sanctuary for connecting with nature. Birding, kayaking, and paddleboarding are available right outside the door while hiking trails and scenic walking loops are easily accessed nearby. Point Reyes National Seashore is a short drive away.
Timber Cove Resort
Timber Cove Resort is one of the crown jewels of Sonoma County’s rugged coastline. Two miles of trails meander the grounds offering breathtaking ocean views, with benches placed throughout inviting guests to slow the pace and soak in the setting. On a clear night, stargazing offers an alternative perspective of nature’s grandeur.